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Biomedical subjects

W H Chow

Publications and source records attributed to W H Chow.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Occupational risks for primary liver cancer in Shanghai, China.

Using occupational data for over 3,400 primary liver cancer cases diagnosed between 1980 and 1984 reported to the Shanghai Cancer Registry, and employment information from the 1982 census for the Shanghai population, standardized incidence ratios were computed to generate leads to occupational risks of liver cancer. Among men, a statistically significant excess number of cases was observed for chemical processors, textile workers, wood workers, blacksmiths and machine-tool operators, and material handlers and dock workers. Increased incidence of liver cancer also was observed among female transport equipment operators. These findings indicate that a number of similar occupations are associated with increased risk of primary liver cancer in western countries and China. Although causal inferences cannot be drawn from these data, our study adds to the limited evidence of the potential role of occupational exposures in liver carcinogenesis.

Adult↗

Effect of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty on serum creatinine phosphokinase MB-isoenzyme levels.

Twenty-one patients with moderate to severe mitral stenosis were treated with percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) using Inoue mitral double-lumen balloon catheters. Creatinine phosphokinase MB isoenzyme (CPK-MB) levels were measured at baseline, 5 min, 6 h, and 18 h post dilatation. Haemodynamic indexes, 12-lead ECGs, and 2-dimensional echocardiograms were performed to evaluate systolic function postprocedure. CPK-MB levels were modestly increased at 5 min and at 6 h postprocedure compared with the baseline level (p < 0.001) but were still within the normal reference range, except for one patient who had a level at 5 min minimally above the upper limit of normal. CPK-MB levels were not significantly increased at 18 h after the procedure. No significant changes in ejection fractions, 12-lead ECGs, and regional wall motion occurred in any of the patients studied. In conclusion, PBMV causes modest early elevation of CPK-MB. This elevation is not associated with changes in LV systolic function and does not interfere with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction using the enzyme elevation criteria.

Adult↗

Risk factors for small intestine cancer.

Small intestine cancer is relatively rare. Clinical reports have suggested that several medical conditions may predispose to increased occurrence of this cancer, but otherwise its etiology is unknown. In one of the first case-control studies of this cancer, we compared questionnaire responses provided by next-of-kin of 430 persons who died of small intestine cancer cf921 controls who died of other causes. Subjects were identified from decedents included in the 1986 United States National Mortality Followback Survey. The questionnaires sought information on demographic and lifestyle characteristics, including diet and use of tobacco and alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol consumption were unrelated to risk of small intestine cancer, but weekly or more frequent consumption of red meat and monthly or more frequent intake of salt-cured/smoked foods were associated with two- to three fold increases in risk. The findings suggest that dietary factors probably are involved in risk of small intestine cancer, but additional research in other settings is required to clarify the determinants of these rare cancers.

Adult↗

Cholecystectomy and colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: An increased risk of large bowel cancer, especially of the right colon, following cholecystectomy has been reported in some studies but contradicted in others. The aim of this study was to settle this question by creating a cohort of cholecystectomy patients that was large enough and with a sufficient follow-up time to detect even weak associations. METHODS: A population-based cohort consisting of 62,615 patients who underwent cholecystectomy was followed up for the occurrence of colorectal cancer up to 23 years. RESULTS: There were 633 colorectal cancers versus 637.9 expected (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92-1.07). Analyses of an extensive number of subgroups including sex, age at operation, duration of follow-up, underlying diagnosis, type of operation, and different cancer sites did not show any association. However, for cancer of the right colon among women, the risk was increased (SIR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.03-1.48) most prominent 15 years or more after operation (SIR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.03-2.22). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there is no excess risk of colorectal cancer following cholecystectomy, but consistent with some earlier reports, we observed an increased risk among women for right-sided colon cancer 15 years or more after operation.

Adult↗

Fatal massive upper respiratory tract haemorrhage: an unusual complication of localized amyloidosis of the larynx.

Localized amyloidosis of the larynx is usually described as a non-bleeding lesion. We report a patient with localized laryngeal amyloidosis who developed a massive upper respiratory tract haemorrhage and died. This potentially fatal complication of localized amyloidosis of the larynx merits recognition as the disease could be controlled in most instances by surgical excision of the amyloid deposit.

Adult↗

Physical activity and occupational risk of colon cancer in Shanghai, China.

Using occupational data for over 2000 colon cancer cases diagnosed between 1980 and 1984 in Shanghai, and employment information from the 1982 census for the Shanghai population, standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were computed for occupational groups classified by job types and physical activity levels. Men employed in occupations with low physical activity levels had modest but significantly elevated risks of colon cancer. SIR for jobs with low activity based on sitting time was 121 (95% confidence interval, Cl: 108-135) and based on energy expenditure was 126 (95% Cl: 115-138). Corresponding SIR for women were 99 (95% Cl: 83-118) and 113 (95% Cl: 100-127). The data were also used to screen for specific occupations with elevated SIR to generate leads to occupational colon cancer. Increased incidence was observed for professional and other white collar workers, and male chemical processors and female textile workers. The findings add to the emerging evidence that workplace activity may influence the risk of this common cancer.

China↗

A cohort study of tobacco use, diet, occupation, and lung cancer mortality.

In 1966, a cohort of White males aged 35 or over, who were policy-holders with the Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance Society (United States), completed a mail questionnaire on tobacco use, diet, and demographic characteristics. During the 20 years of follow-up, 219 lung cancer deaths occurred. Besides the strong relationship with cigarette smoking, we observed an effect on lung cancer risk among current users of cigars or pipes who were nonsmokers of cigarettes (relative risk [RR] = 3.5, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-12.6) or who were past/occasional users of cigarettes (RR = 2.7, CI = 1.4-5.3). In addition, elevated risks (from 1.5 to 2.6) of lung cancer were found among craftsmen and laborers, with the highest risks among subjects who worked in the mining or manufacturing industry. No association between current (as of 1966) use of beer or hard liquor and lung cancer was observed, although past users were at elevated risk. An inverse association between lung cancer and intake of fruits was observed, and risks of lung cancer were lower among persons in the highest dietary intake quintiles of vitamins A and C. Except for oranges, however, none of the inverse associations with fruits or dietary nutrients had statistically significant trends. The findings from this cohort study add to the evidence of an adverse effect of cigar/pipe smoking and possibly protective effect of dietary factors on lung cancer risk.

Ascorbic Acid↗